Monthly Archives: March 2017

On Monday March 6, 2017 President Trump signed Executive order 1379 that replicates the travel ban issued on Jan 27, 2017. The new travel ban blocks immigration from six Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. Current countries that the ban blocks citizens from are Syria, Iran, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, and Sudan, exempting Iraq, from obtaining visas for at least 90 days. The Executive order also suspends admission of refugees into the U.S. for 120 days until there is an improvement of extreme vetting. Iraq was the only country removed from the ban, according to the New York Times, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis requested the reduction of Iraq. Defense Secretary Mattis stated that Iraq would be an ally in helping defeat terrorist groups like ISIS.

According to the department of state, The travel ban will go into effect beginning March 16. The order exempts citizens from the six countries banned with permanent residents and current visa holders of entering the U.S, and exludes those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organizations visas, C-2 visas for travels to the United Nations and G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 visas. The new order may not be as harsh as the first one signed back in January, but it does continue to discriminate against people from the Muslim Religion.

If you’re a legal permanent resident and have had your green card for 5 years (3 years if you are married to a US citizen) you may be eligible to apply for citizenship. Come to our Free Citizenship Clinic at 261 Main Street in Norwich and trained lawyers and volunteers will help you fill out your application one-on-one. To register or if you have any questions or concerns, please email us at info@iascct.org or call 860-629-7758.

This past Monday the director of IASC Michael Doyle spoke at a forum that demonstrated that both the city and school system were committed to protecting all families, regardless of background or immigration status and to offer practical advice if they were to encounter immigration officers.

Prior to walking in attendees were greeted by supporters holding up heart-shaped signs of solidarity and balloons, setting the tone of community and empathy that the forum later reinforced.

Hundreds of people then packed into the C.B. Jennings Elementary School gymnasium where Superintendent Dr. Manuel Rivera stressed the importance of diversity and the school system’s commitment to providing a welcoming and safe environment for all of their students.

Attorney Michael Doyle outlined how to create an emergency plan if anything were to happen to parents or students which included gathering important documents, medical papers, memorizing important contact information, and keeping a written record.